HC Deb 06 December 1938 vol 342 cc1001-2
71. Mr. Perkins

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that when the Prime Minister flew to Munich he was carried in an American-made aeroplane; and whether he can give an assurance that when, in future, any Minister flies to any foreign country in an official capacity, a British-made aeroplane will be available?

Captain Balfour

As I informed my hon. Friend in a written reply given on Tuesday, 22nd November, the Prime Minister flew to Munich on 29th September in an aircraft belonging to British Airways which was manufactured in America. The selection for any particular charter flight must necessarily depend on what suitable aircraft are available at the time. When the new civil aircraft now under construction have been delivered, I hope that similar demands for charter facilities will be able to be met with British-built equipment.

Captain A. Evans

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend consider that this question is inconsistent with the supplementary question which was put in the case of the previous question?

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Will the Prime Minister give a guarantee that he will never again be carried away by foreigners?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Can the Under-Secretary state whether the American Government have yet admitted liability in this matter?